Workforce Director V

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.
We are seeking an innovative leader to guide workforce development at DFPS, empowering employees to reach their fullest potential and driving agency-wide success. This high-impact role provides an opportunity to lead key initiatives that directly influence organizational performance and workforce excellence.
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Workforce Development Program Director leads the Workforce Development Division (WFD), overseeing programs such as Learning and Development (L&D), Talent Acquisition Group (TAG), Employee Relations, and other agency workforce functions. This strategic and operational leadership role is responsible for designing, implementing, and refining workforce programs that align with DFPS’s mission and comply with state and federal laws. The position holds significant autonomy in developing long-term strategies, legislative engagement, and team management to achieve lasting impact.
Join us in this key role and contribute to building a stronger, more dynamic DFPS workforce!

Requirements

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws relating to all aspects of Human Resources.
• Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy.
• Skill and experience in dealing with angry or frustrated stakeholders or the general public in resolving their complaints.
• Skill in addressing staff conflict issues.
• Skill in working with other DFPS program leadership in resolving issues.
• Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to supervise and direct the work of others.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Note: Experience in human resources management work may be substituted for the four-year degree on a year for year basis.
• At least 5 years managing large-scale programs, divisions, or agencies with diverse teams on human resource or workforce related issues, and
• At least 5 years in a consultative, supervisory, or project management capacity overseeing complex initiatives or organizational objectives.
• Familiarity with adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies.
• Experience in the state agency legislative process.
• Experience in data analysis, program evaluation, and performance management tactics.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in human resources fields (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, PHR) preferred.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred but not required.
• Advanced degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Public Administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Build and execute short- and long-term strategies to align workforce programs with organizational goals, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Program Oversight: Oversee key workforce operations, including L&D, TAG, Employee Relations, the FMLA Unit, and the Senior Business Partners Group, driving efficiency and effectiveness.
• Staff Leadership and Development: Mentor, supervise, and motivate WFD leaders, fostering professional growth, team-building, and agency-wide engagement.
• Performance and Analytics: Leverage data-driven decision-making to evaluate program success, identify improvement areas, and report agency workforce performance metrics.
• Agency Representation: Represent DFPS in legislative hearings, advisory groups, and public forums, addressing workforce initiatives and compliance measures.
• Policy Development: Establish and oversee workforce policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure legal compliance and operational consistency.
• Budget and Compliance Management: Lead the development of budget requests, ensure compliance with state and federal legislative requirements, and optimize resource allocation across workforce programs.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director